Houston Is Hoping That Bob Abreu, Who Led The Pacific Coast League In Triples Last Season, Will Be The Starter In Right Field.

The Astros are optimistic because Abreu, 22, has put up big numbers the past two seasons at Class AAA Tucson, Ariz. The left-handed hitter led the Pacific Coast League with 16 triples last season. He even warranted a 15-game call-up to the Astros, starting four times and getting five hits in 22 at-bats.

With Luis Gonzalez and Derek Bell penciled in to start in left and center, Abreu's best shot is in right field. As much as the Astros want him to succeed, Abreu is going to have to earn a spot.

''He needs to have a pretty good spring,'' Houston manager Larry Dierker said. ''He had the type of year two years ago in Triple-A, where you figured another year - maybe even half a year - and he's going to be ready. But then he kind of took a half-step back last year. And he's still very young. So it's not . . . a crossroads for him. He's got plenty of time.''

Abreu (pronounced Ah-bray-you) sees his chance as being right now.

''I think this is my best opportunity to make the club this year,'' Abreu said.

A strong spring by Abreu would do wonders for the Astros' outfield situation. Otherwise, a platoon may be in order in right field. The team also is counting heavily on Bell making a successful return to center - where he played earlier in his career - from right field.

''The good thing is we have talent out there,'' Dierker said. ''We want him (Abreu) to be an everyday player. He's got that going for him. He's not going to have to hit .400 or anything, but he's going to have to show he's ready to play in the big leagues.''

Said bench/outfielders coach Bill Virdon: ''The tools are there. It's up to him whether he can put them all together. From what I've seen, he's not that far away.''

For all his speed, Abreu is not a great baserunner, and he struggles against left-handers. After going 3-for-4 against Cleveland on Friday, he went 0-for-3 in the Astros' 6-4 victory against Kansas City on Saturday at Haines City with two strikeouts - both against left-handers.